data/claims/roadblasters-history.yamlRoadBlasters (history and reception)
Game: RoadBlasters.
Atari Games' operators manual for the sit-down cockpit cabinet of Road Blasters (TM-299) carries a 1987 copyright line and describes the game as an action-packed battle game in which the player drives a high-performance armored car. Atari Games designed it in cooperation with Matchbox Toys, whose new line of futuristic toy vehicles carried the same name. roadblasters-history/arcade-manual
image 4, copyright page© 1987 by Atari Games Corporation All rights reservedRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · image 40, back coverTM-299Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · chapter 1, Game Play, Introduction (image 10)Road Blasters is an action-packed battle game where the player drives a high-performance armored car.Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · chapter 1, Introduction (image 11)Atari Games has designed Road Blasters in cooperation with Matchbox ToysRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · chapter 1, Introduction (image 11)Road Blasters is a new Matchbox line of futuristic action/adventure vehicles.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The manual names no designers or programmers. A second manual, TM-298, covers the System I upright and kit; it hasn't been pinned.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The arcade manual calls the game "the Ultimate Race of the Future", part road race and part combat-zone survival: the road leads through a progression of countries, with checkpoints that award fuel and rally points that end each race section with a display of the player's performance. The game ends when the player runs out of fuel by driving too slowly or crashing too often; green and red fuel globes on the road give more fuel. roadblasters-history/arcade-premise
p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Road Blasters is the Ultimate Race of the FutureRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)part road race and part combat-zone survival exerciseRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)The roadway leads the player through a progression of countries, alternating checkpoints, and rally points.Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Checkpoints are mid-point goals that award additional fuel as the player races past.Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12) — the OCR hyphenates "perform- ance"a scroll-up video display evaluates player performance at each rally pointRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)run out of fuel by driving too slow, or crashing too oftenRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Players can tag the green and red fuel globes placed along the roadway to obtain more fuel.Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Rally points are similar to finish lines … indicate the completion of a race sectionRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for rally points marking the end of a race section.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. Image 12 carries the folio 1-4.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
In the arcade game the player has a return-to-center steering control with triggers and thumb buttons, and a gas pedal: the triggers fire the laser gun and the thumb buttons set off the special weapons. In the cockpit cabinet a fresnel lens over the display magnifies the picture to simulate a 25-inch monitor. roadblasters-history/arcade-controls
p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Player controls consist of an RTC steering control with triggers and thumb firing buttons, and a gas pedal.Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)triggers control the laser gun; the thumb buttons ignite the special weaponsRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · chapter 1, Introduction (image 11)a new return-to-center (RTC) steering control with fire buttonsRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Unique Features (image 12)fresnel lens that overlays the display and magnifies the screen graphics, simulating a 25-inch monitorChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The arcade manual names four computer-controlled opponent vehicles, Stingers, Command cars, Rat Jeeps and Cycles, plus mines in the road, gun turrets beside it, and spikers thrown by opponent vehicles. A support jet drops an attribute pack carrying the special weapons: Cruise Missiles that destroy everything visible ahead, Nitro Injectors that boost speed, rapid-fire U.Z. Cannons, and Electro Shields against shots, collisions, mines and spikers. roadblasters-history/arcade-enemies
p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Four unique computer-controlled opponent vehicles challenge playersRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)sleek, fast Stingers; heavily armored Command cars; evasive and unpredictable Rat Jeeps; and quick, darting CyclesRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)spikers thrown by opponent vehiclesRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)The player can dock with the special attribute pack dropped by the support jet to acquire special weapons.Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Cruise Missiles that destroy everything in the path of the player that is visible on the screenRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Electro Shields that protect players' cars from shots, collisions, mines, and SpikersRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12)Nitro Injectors that boost the speed of players' cars; U.Z. Cannons that rapid-fireRoad Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · p. 1-4, chapter 1, Play Mode (image 12) — the folio 1-4 and the running head fall between the two lines in the OCRthere are mines in the road, gun turrets … on the side of the roadRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: locators corrected to image 12 (printed p. 1-4); quote added for the mines and gun turrets.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. Image 12 carries the folio 1-4.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The arcade game ran a player contest in the United States and Canada: a player who completed rally 50 entered a name and got a secret code which, mailed to Atari Games, earned a Road Blasters T-shirt. roadblasters-history/arcade-contest
chapter 1, Unique Features to Attract Players (image 11)A special player contest (in the U.S. and Canada only)Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · chapter 1, Unique Features to Attract Players (image 11)Players who complete rally 50 are asked to enter their name and obtain a secret code.Road Blasters cockpit operators manual, TM-299, first printing (Atari Games) · chapter 1, Unique Features to Attract Players (image 11)this secret code entitles the player to a specially designed Road Blasters T-shirtChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The arcade manual told operators that Matchbox Toys would advertise its Road Blasters line on television in the spring and fall of 1987. Play Meter's April 1987 product introduction said the same: the game was developed in conjunction with Matchbox Toys, which would support its Road Blasters line with a nationwide campaign. roadblasters-history/arcade-matchbox
chapter 1, Unique Features to Attract Players (image 11)Matchbox Toys will support its Road Blasters line with television advertising in the spring and fall of 1987Play Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 136 (image 136), product introduction, Road BlastersThe game has been developed in conjunction with Matchbox ToysPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 136 (image 136), product introduction, Road BlastersMatchbox will support its Road Blasters line with a nationwide advertising campaignChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The product introduction is a trade notice built from the maker's own information, so the claim stays at the manual's tier.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Play Meter's April 1987 product introduction announced Road Blasters as a dedicated driving game in a high-tech cockpit, available then, and said a System I upright and a conversion kit would follow, converting Atari's other System I games: Marble Madness, Peter Pack Rat, Road Runner and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. roadblasters-history/arcade-cabinets
p. 136 (image 136), product introduction, Road BlastersAtari Games debuts Road Blasters, a dedicated driving game available now in futuristic high-tech cockpit stylePlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 136 (image 136), product introduction, Road BlastersA Road Blasters upright System I game and game kit will soon follow release of the cockpit unitPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 136 (image 136), product introduction, Road BlastersIt will convert all other System I games--Marble Madness, Peter Pack Rat, Road Runner and Indiana Jones the Temple of Doom.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Play Meter's report on the ACME trade show of 1987 called Road Blasters "the hit video game of the show", a driving-and-shooting game offered as a sit-down, an upright or a kit, and said the sit-down was to ACME what Out Run had been to AMOA, with lines always waiting. The magazine's picks of the show, by Steve Harris and the U.S. National Video Game Team, named it the best video game of the show. roadblasters-history/arcade-acme-1987
p. 64 (image 60), ACME 1987 show report — image 60 carries the folio "64 PLAY METER/April 1987"The hit video game of the show was undoubtedly Atari's RoadBlastersPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 64 (image 60), ACME 1987 show reporta driving-and-shooting game that's available as a sit-down, an upright or a kitPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 64 (image 60), ACME 1987 show reportthe RoadBlasters sit-down was to ACME what Out Run was to AMOA--the lines were always therePlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 121 (image 121), Best Games of ACME, From a Player's ViewBY STEVE HARRIS AND THE U.S. NATIONAL VIDEO GAME TEAMPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 125 (image 125), Best Video Game of ShowBEST VIDEO GAME OF SHOWPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 125 (image 125), Best Video Game of ShowAnd the winner is... Atari's RoadBlasters.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: picks credited to Steve Harris and the U.S. National Video Game Team, as the byline prints.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The Best Video Game of Show piece by Steve Harris and the U.S. National Video Game Team described Road Blasters as Pole Position meeting Spy Hunter, praised its animation and the variety of its weapons, and called it "a gem of a game and a must for owners of System I mainframes". roadblasters-history/arcade-play-meter-picks
p. 125 (image 125), Best Video Game of ShowImagine Pole Position meeting Spy Hunter and you get the basic idea of how RoadBlasters plays.Play Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 125 (image 125), Best Video Game of ShowThe animation in RoadBlasters is superb qualityPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 125 (image 125), Best Video Game of ShowThe variety of weapons available make each encounter different and exciting.Play Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 126 (image 126), Best Video Game of Show, continued — the OCR reads "System |"RoadBlasters is a gem of a game and a must for owners of System I mainframes.Play Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 121 (image 121), Best Games of ACME, From a Player's ViewBY STEVE HARRIS AND THE U.S. NATIONAL VIDEO GAME TEAMRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: piece credited to Harris and the team; byline quoted.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
An operator's column in Play Meter's April 1987 issue said that Robert Weatherby, an Atari software designer who had led the projects for Super Sprint and Championship Sprint, "had a hand in bringing us RoadBlasters". roadblasters-history/arcade-weatherby
p. 118 (image 118), operator's column, System Games, Atari RoadBlastersRobert Weatherby (Atari software designer ) had a hand in bringing us RoadBlasters.Play Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 118 (image 118), operator's column — the OCR runs the titles together ("super Sprintand championship Sprint")Weatherby was the project leader for Super Sprint and Championship SprintChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. The column gives no other credits, and its writer's name hasn't been read. This is the only source read that names anyone who worked on the arcade game.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Play Meter's August 1987 review gave the arcade game "a strong ###1/2" in its rating marks: it found that the game transcends Spy Hunter, Night Stocker and other racing games with "play action that is truly non-stop", though the sit-down cockpit gave passersby no good view of the screen. roadblasters-history/arcade-play-meter-review
p. 89 (image 89), Atari's RoadBlastersthe execution is such that the game is capable of transcending these other racing gamesPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 8 (August 1987) · p. 89 (image 89), Atari's RoadBlastersplay action that is truly non-stopPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 8 (August 1987) · p. 89 (image 89), Atari's RoadBlastersthere is no equitable viewing angle for interested passersbyPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 8 (August 1987) · p. 89 (image 89), Atari's RoadBlasters — read on the page image (image 89), which prints the rating asloose ends tied tight and we'll go with a strong ###1/2Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The column carries no byline on this page or the two before it; its writer hasn't been found. Image 88 carries the folio "88 PLAY METER/August 1987".
Cited by: RoadBlasters
U.S. Gold published the game in Britain under license from Atari Games: its advertisement of April 1989 announced the Atari ST and Amiga versions as now available, under the line "© 1986 Atari Games Corp. Licensed to U.S. Gold Ltd." roadblasters-history/us-gold-licence
p. 100 (image 100), U.S. Gold advertisement© 1986 Atari Games Corp. Licensed to U.S. Gold Ltd.The One for 16-bit Games, issue 7 (April 1989) · p. 100 (image 100), U.S. Gold advertisementNOW AVAILABLE ATARI ST NOW AVAILABLE AMIGAThe One for 16-bit Games, issue 7 (April 1989) · p. 100 (image 100), U.S. Gold advertisementScreen shots from Atari ST versionChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. The advertisement's copyright year, 1986, differs from the arcade manual's 1987.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Crash's May 1988 issue carried U.S. Gold's full-page "coming soon" advertisement for Road Blasters, with the logos of U.S. Gold and Atari Games. roadblasters-history/uk-coming-soon
p. 100 (image 100), U.S. Gold advertisementCOMING SOON.Crash, issue 52 (May 1988) · p. 100 (image 100), U.S. Gold advertisement — read on the page image (image 100), embossed on a metal tag; the logos read U.S. GOLD and ATARI GAMESROAD BLASTERSChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The page carries no folio.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Crash reviewed the ZX Spectrum version from U.S. Gold, by DJL Software, in August 1988 at £8.99 and gave it 84% overall, with 85% for presentation, 78% for graphics, 86% for playability and 84% for addictive qualities. Nick (83%) found it "VERY addictive" though not the arcade machine; Phil (85%) found the graphics bland but the fifty levels good value; Kati (84%) thought any home conversion of so fine an arcade game bound to disappoint. roadblasters-history/spectrum-crash-review
p. 101 (image 102), review headingProducer: US GoldCrash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), review headingAuthors: DJL SoftwareCrash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), review heading — the OCR reads "£8,99"Retail price: £8.99Crash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), ratings box — read on the page image (image 102), with Graphics 78%, Playability 86% and Addictive qualities 84%Presentation 85%Crash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), ratings boxOVERALL 84%Crash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), Nick's comment — read on the page image (image 102), where the box is headed NICK, 83%it almost has the speed, colour and excitement of the arcade machine and it is VERY addictiveCrash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), Nick's commentNot exactly the arcade machine, but addictive and playable.Crash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), Phil's comment — the box is headed PHIL, 85%, read on the page image (image 102)The graphics are rather blandCrash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), Phil's commentwith fifty levels of action, you certainly get good value for moneyCrash, issue 55 (August 1988) · p. 101 (image 102), Kati's comment — the box is headed KATI, 84%, read on the page image (image 102)any home conversion is bound to be a bit of a disappointmentChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Image 102 carries the folio "CRASH August 1988 101". The ratings and the reviewers' names and marks were read on the page image; the comments' wording is from the OCR, checked against the image for Nick's "VERY addictive".
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Sinclair User reviewed the ZX Spectrum version (U.S. Gold, by DJL Software, £8.99) in September 1988 and gave it 81 overall, with 88 for graphics, 89 for sound, 79 for playability and 76 for lastability: "Nice-looking coin-op conversion with a bit of racing and shooting". The reviewer found little challenge, reaching level 10 without much attention out of 50, and concluded that it "isn't a terrific racing game, and it isn't a terrific shoot-'em-up", but smooth and polished enough to enjoy. roadblasters-history/spectrum-su-review
image 34, review fax boxROADBLASTERS Label: US Gold Author: DJLSinclair User, issue 78 (September 1988) · image 34, review textThere isn't a tremendous amount of challenge in RoadblastersSinclair User, issue 78 (September 1988) · image 34, review textI got through to level 10 without having to pay much attention. However, there are 50 levels to complete.Sinclair User, issue 78 (September 1988) · image 35, review textRoadblasters isn't a terrific racing game, and it isn't a terrific shoot-'em-up.Sinclair User, issue 78 (September 1988) · image 35, review textthere's something very smooth and polished about the whole productionSinclair User, issue 78 (September 1988) · image 34, fax box — read on the page image (image 34); the OCR reads the price as £3.99Author: DJL Software Price: £8.99 Memory: 48K/128KSinclair User, issue 78 (September 1988) · image 34, fax box — read on the page image (image 34)Nice-looking coin-op conversion with a bit of racing and shootingSinclair User, issue 78 (September 1988) · image 34, fax box, marks — read on the page image (image 34), with Graphics 88, Sound 89, Playability 79 and Lastability 76OVERALL 81Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The fax box was read on the page image (image 34); the review text is from the OCR. The reviewer signs by hand and isn't named in print.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Your Sinclair's reviewer, Macca, reviewed the ZX Spectrum version (U.S. Gold, £8.99) in October 1988 and gave it 8 out of 10. He found the road green and bland but smooth, the control over-sensitive and the collision detection "very iffy", and wrote that although it "doesn't compare very well with the original arcade" it grows on you "like an addictive leech". roadblasters-history/spectrum-ys-review
p. 42 (image 42), review headingUS Gold/£8.99 MaccaYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 43 (image 43), review textthe control is a little over sensitiveYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 43 (image 43), review text — read on the page image (image 43); the OCR is garbled hereAnd collision detection is very iffyYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 43 (image 43), review textAlthough it doesn't compare very well with the original arcadeYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 43 (image 43), review textThe road itself, although green and bland, moves very smoothlyYour Sinclair, issue 34 (October 1988) · p. 43 (image 43), YS Clapometer — read on the page image (image 43), which prints "verdcant"; the overall box beside it reads 8A verdcant road racing game. It grows on you like an addictive leech.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The heading and verdict were read in the OCR and the collision sentence, verdict and overall mark on the page image. Page 43 carries no byline; the name Macca is from the OCR of the heading on p. 42.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Zzap!64 reviewed the Commodore 64 version (U.S. Gold, £9.99 cassette, £14.99 disk) in September 1988 and gave it 59% overall, with 67% for presentation, 57% for graphics, 47% for sound, 73% for hookability and 65% for lastability. The difficulty choice starts the game at level one, four or seven, and further levels load in groups of ten. The verdict called it "a pale shadow of the arcade original". M.E found that it captured "virtually none of the atmosphere of the coin-op original", G.H called it "a pretty pale imitation of the original", and P.G thought it "a viable alternative for race and shoot 'em up fans". roadblasters-history/c64-zzap-review
p. 22 (image 22), review headingUS Gold, £9.99 cassette, £14.99 disk, joystick onlyZzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 22 (image 22), review textThese respectively start the game at levels one, four and seven. Further levels are multiloaded in groups of ten.Zzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 22 (image 22), M.E's comment — the comment's portrait is labelled M.E, read on the page image (image 22)the conversion captures virtually none of the atmosphere of the coin-op originalZzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 22 (image 22), G.H's comment — the comment's portrait is labelled G.H, read on the page image (image 22)the conversion is a pretty pale imitation of the originalZzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 22 (image 22), P.G's comment — the comment's portrait is labelled P.G, read on the page image (image 22)it's a viable alternative for race and shoot 'em up fansZzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 23 (image 23), ratings boxChunky graphics and ropey 3D make this a pale shadow of the arcade originalZzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 23 (image 23), ratings boxPRESENTATION 67%Zzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 23 (image 23), ratings boxGRAPHICS 57%Zzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 23 (image 23), ratings boxSOUND 47%Zzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 23 (image 23), ratings boxHOOKABILITY 73%Zzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 23 (image 23), ratings boxLASTABILITY 65%Zzap!64, issue 41 (September 1988) · p. 23 (image 23), ratings box — read on the page image (image 23); the red 39% box on the page belongs to Blood BrothersOVERALL 59%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The reviewers appear only as initials under their portraits; their full names aren't printed on these pages.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The One, a magazine for 16-bit computers, reported in January 1989 that Probe's conversion of Atari's Roadblasters for U.S. Gold was "now almost fully complete". roadblasters-history/sixteen-bit-probe
p. 15 (image 15), news — the OCR hyphenates "Prob¬ e's"In a similar vein is Probe's conversion of Atari's Roadblasters, now almost fully complete.The One for 16-bit Games, issue 4 (January 1989) · p. 15 (image 15), news, picture captionUS Gold's long-awaited conversion of Atari's brilliant race 'n' shoot 'em up RoadblastersChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. The item doesn't say which 16-bit machines Probe's conversion was for.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Zzap!64 reviewed the Amiga version (U.S. Gold, £19.99) in May 1989 and gave it 75% overall, with 70% for presentation, 69% for graphics, 57% for sound, 82% for hookability and 57% for lastability, as "Easier than the coin-op". Randy called it a flawed conversion but still very addictive; Maff, a fan of the arcade game, found "an incredibly easy game lurking behind poor music". The verdict: it "could have been a tougher and more accurate conversion, but a fun drive 'em up". roadblasters-history/amiga-zzap-review
p. 25 (image 25), review headingAmiga £19.99Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), Randy's comment — the comment's portrait is labelled RANDY, read on the page image (image 25)While this is a rather flawed conversionZzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), Randy's commentit's actually still very addictiveZzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), Randy's commentout of blowing all those cars to kingdom comeZzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), Maff's comment — the comment's portrait is labelled MAFF, read on the page image (image 25)find an incredibly easy game lurking behind poor musicZzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings boxPRESENTATION 70%Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings boxGRAPHICS 69%Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings boxSOUND 57%Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings box — read on the page image (image 25); the OCR reads "^2%"HOOKABILITY 82%Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings boxLASTABILITY 57%Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings box — read on the page image (image 25)Easier than the coin-op, so it won't take long to finish.Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings box — read on the page image (image 25); the OCR loses the figure. The 94% box on the page is Voyager'sOVERALL 75%Zzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), ratings box, verdictCould have been a tougher and more accurate conversion, but a fun drive 'em upZzap!64, issue 49 (May 1989) · p. 25 (image 25), Maff's comment — read on the page image (image 25); the OCR reads "Road Slasiers is one of my favour- ite« In the afcadast"Road Blasters is one of my favourites in the arcadeRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Maff's "one of my favourites in the arcade" quoted (page image, checked by the lead).The OCR of this review is badly garbled; the ratings and the reviewers' labels were read on the page image. The reviewers appear only by first name.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
In America, Computer Entertainer reported in February 1989 that Tengen showed computer versions of Road Blasters at the Consumer Electronics Show, its first showing of computer games, with versions planned for most formats including MS-DOS, Commodore 64, Amiga and Atari ST. roadblasters-history/us-computer-tengen
p. 3, Tengen Introduces New Line of Computer Games at CESFor its first showing of computer games, Tengen displayed versionsComputer Entertainer, Vol. 7, No. 11 (February 1989) · p. 3ROAD BLASTERS (everyone for himself or herself on a dangerous roadway of the future)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 7, No. 11 (February 1989) · p. 3Tengen's games are planned for most formats, including MS-DOS, Commodore 64/128, Amiga and Atari ST.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Which of these American computer versions shipped hasn't been found.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
By February 1990 the ZX Spectrum version was in Coin-Op Hits, a compilation from U.S. Gold and Computer & Video Games with Out Run, Thunder Blade, Spy Hunter and Bionic Commando. Sinclair User's round-up of compilations that month called it a "fairly tedious race 'n' blast game". roadblasters-history/spectrum-compilation
p. 21 (image 21), U.S. Gold compilations advertisement — read on the page image (image 21); the name appears only in the box art, under "Britain's best selling computer magazine & U.S. Gold present" and the Computer & Video Games logoCOIN-OP HITSSinclair User, issue 95 (February 1990) · p. 21 (image 21), U.S. Gold compilations advertisement — the OCR reads "EEOHIC COMMANDO"OUTRUN • THUNDER BLADE • ROAD BLASTERS SPY HUNTER • BIONIC COMMANDOSinclair User, issue 95 (February 1990) · p. 74 (image 74), Attack of the Compilations! — the OCR reads "race 'rv blast"ROADBLASTERS: Fairly tedious race 'n' blast game.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The round-up's text is read in the OCR; its page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Your Sinclair's budget round-up of June 1992 ranked the 128K Spectrum version, re-released by Kixx, second among its driving games: "a blazingly fast racer" with 50 levels, though spoiled for the reviewer by the 48K version. roadblasters-history/spectrum-budget
p. 54 (image 54), What a Barg!, driving games — the OCR reads "Kixx/lssue 34"2 - Road Blasters 128 K Kixx/Issue 34Your Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 54 (image 54), What a Barg!, driving games — the OCR reads "RBI28"Sadly, RB128 has been tarnished by the yuckiness of the 48K version.Your Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 54 (image 54), What a Barg!, driving gamesIt's a blazingly fast racer with the added attraction of being able to shoot anybody that gets in your way.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. "Issue 34" points back to the October 1988 review. The round-up is by Jon Pillar and covers games at £3.99.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The NES version was published in North America by Mindscape under license from Tengen, and licensed by Nintendo. Computer Entertainer's report of June 1989 listed Road Blasters among Mindscape's upcoming NES titles, and Nintendo Power's Pak Watch of November 1989 named Mindscape as "the company that is producing the NES version of Road Blasters". roadblasters-history/nes-mindscape
image 3, inside coverCopyright © 1989, 1986 Tengen. All rights reserved. Licensed to Mindscape Inc.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · image 3, inside coverThis Game is Licensed by NintendoComputer Entertainer, vol. 8, no. 3 (June 1989) · p. 12, MindscapeUpcoming titles include ROAD BLASTERS (arcade hit with high-performance armored vehicle)Nintendo Power, issue 9 (1989-11) · p. 97, Pak Watch, The Last StarfighterMindscape, the company that is producing the NES version of Road BlastersChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The booklet names no developer for the NES version. Read in the OCR text; the booklet's page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Nintendo of America's list of NES games gives the release of Mindscape's RoadBlasters as January 1990. roadblasters-history/nes-release
p. 10, RRoadBlasters Mindscape January 1990Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The list gives month and year only. Computer Entertainer's January 1990 issue still called it coming soon (nes-ces-1990).
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Computer Entertainer's January 1990 issue, reporting from the winter Consumer Electronics Show, listed RoadBlasters as coming soon from Mindscape for the NES. roadblasters-history/nes-ces-1990
p. 16, Plenty of action from MindscapeComing soon from Mindscape for NES are ROADBLASTERS (high speed racing and shooting in armored cars)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: RoadBlasters
The NES booklet makes the game one-player: the player picks a starting region among the first three, Bubble City, Forest Section and Desert Region, and drives to the Rally Point at the end of each of 50 levels, refuelling at Rally Points and the halfway Check Points and from green and orange fuel globes. Running out of fuel costs one of three lives. roadblasters-history/nes-premise
p. 1, Getting Started (image 4)RoadBlasters is designed for 1 Player only, using the Controller in Port 1.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 1, Getting Started (image 4)choose between the first three regions: Bubble City, Forest Section, and Desert RegionRoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 2, Playing the Game (image 5)Your object is to reach the Rally Point at the end of each level—50 in all.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 2, Playing the Game (image 5)You can also get extra fuel by driving through the green and orange fuel globesRoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 2, Playing the Game (image 5)when you run out, you'll use up one of your three "lives."RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 2, Playing the Game (image 5)Additional fuel is awarded at Rally Points and Check Points (the halfway point of each level)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The booklet's page numbers are taken from the folios in its OCR.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
On the NES, Up accelerates and the car keeps its speed when the button is released, Down slows it, Left and Right steer, A fires the guns and B sets off the special weapon caught from the support jet: the U.Z. Cannon for a limited number of rounds, and three uses each of the Electro Shield, Nitro Inject and Cruise Missile. Top speed is 212 mph, or 298 mph with the Nitro Inject. roadblasters-history/nes-controls
p. 4, Control Functions (image 6)Press UP on the Control Pad to accelerate. When you stop pressing UP your car will maintain its current speed.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 4, Control Functions (image 6)Press the A Button to fire your guns; you will fire in the direction your car is facing.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 5, Special Weapons (image 7)have three chances to use the Electro Shield, Nitro Inject and Cruise Missile. The U.Z. Cannon allows you a limited number of rounds.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 8, The Control Panel (image 10)Maximum speed is 212 mph. (298 mph. when the Nitro Inject is activated).RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 4, Control Functions (image 6)Press DOWN on the Control Pad to decelerate.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 4, Control Functions (image 6)Press LEFT and RIGHT on the Control Pad to steer your car left and right.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 5, Special Weapons (image 7)catch the attribute pack dropped by the support jetRoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 5, Special Weapons (image 7)Press the B Button to activate a special weapon once you have caught it.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. These are the booklet's figures; nothing has been measured in the game.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
The NES booklet describes a score multiplier for shooting accuracy: each target destroyed with a single shot raises it by 1, to 10, and each miss lowers it by 1, to 1; the points for enemy cars and gun turrets are multiplied by it. roadblasters-history/nes-multiplier
p. 8, The Control Panel, Multiplier (image 10)Every time you hit and destroy a target with a single shot, the Multiplier increases by 1 to a maximum of 10.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 8, The Control Panel, Multiplier (image 10)When you fire at a target and miss, the Multiplier decreases by 1 to a minimum of 01.RoadBlasters instruction booklet (NES, Mindscape) · p. 8, The Control Panel, Multiplier (image 10)The points you've earned by destroying enemy cars and gun turrets are multiplied by the current multiplierRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: quote added for the multiplier applying to enemy cars and gun turrets.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Game Player's Strategy Guide of February/March 1990 covered the NES version from Mindscape: a rally of 50 races, from Bubble City to the Sunset Strip, that fans of Spy Hunter, Knight Rider and Rad Racer would enjoy but that would not change the minds of players who dislike NES driving games. roadblasters-history/nes-game-players
p. 128 (image 130), Road BlastersThe rally is made up of 50 races across backdrops ranging from Bubble City to the forest, from the molten zone to the sunset strip.Game Player's Strategy Guide to Nintendo Games, vol. 3, no. 1 (February-March 1990) · p. 128 (image 130), Road BlastersFans of Spy Hunter, Knight Rider, and Rad Racer are sure to enjoy Road Blasters.Game Player's Strategy Guide to Nintendo Games, vol. 3, no. 1 (February-March 1990) · p. 128 (image 130), Road Blasters — the OCR hyphenates "any- thing"But those people who dislike NES driving games won't find anything in Road Blasters to change their minds.Game Player's Strategy Guide to Nintendo Games, vol. 3, no. 1 (February-March 1990) · p. 128 (image 130), Road BlastersMindscapeChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Tengen announced a Genesis version at the winter Consumer Electronics Show of January 1990: Computer Entertainer reported that Tengen "announced, but did not show" Genesis versions of Paperboy, RoadBlasters and Klax, and Game Player's listed RoadBlasters among the Genesis titles announced by independent companies. roadblasters-history/genesis-announced
p. 19, TengenTengen also announced, but did not show, planned Genesis versions of PAPERBOY, ROADBLASTERS and KLAX.Game Player's, vol. 2, no. 3 (issue 9, March 1990) · p. 46 (image 48), CES reportDefinite Genesis titles announced by independent companies includeGame Player's, vol. 2, no. 3 (issue 9, March 1990) · p. 46 (image 48), CES reportCrossbones, RoadBlasters, PaperboyChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: RoadBlasters
Beep! MegaDrive's July 1991 issue, in a round-up of new-release news, listed RoadBlasters among five new releases from Tengen: Paperboy due in July, and RoadBlasters and Pit Fighter in September. The line gives no year; the issue is dated July 1991. roadblasters-history/genesis-schedule
p. 79 (image 81), new-release news — read on the page image (image 81), which carries the folio 79そして「PAPERBOY」が7月。「ROADBLASTERS」「PIT FIGHTER」は9月Our translationThen Paperboy in July; RoadBlasters and Pit Fighter in SeptemberBeep! MegaDrive (July 1991) · p. 79 (image 81), new-release news — read on the page image (image 81); the subject is Tengen, named at the start of the sentence続々5本の新作をリリース予定しているOur translationis planning to release five new titles one after anotherChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.A schedule, not a release date. The sentence opens with Tengen's May titles, RBI Baseball 3 and Ms. Pac-Man.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
Game Player's reported in March 1990 that an agreement announced at the winter Consumer Electronics Show let Atari Corporation adapt Atari Games' arcade titles for the Lynx and the 7800, and named Road Blasters among the hits likely to be adapted; Atari said the games would begin appearing that year. roadblasters-history/lynx-plans
p. 56 (image 58), New Games for Lynx and 7800, by Tom R. HalfhillThe agreement allows Atari to adapt any arcade titles from Atari Games (a separate company) for the Lynx and 7800.Game Player's, vol. 2, no. 3 (issue 9, March 1990) · p. 56 (image 58), New Games for Lynx and 7800Xybots, Rolling Thunder, Paperboy, Road Blasters, Road Runner, Final Lap, and the Sprint seriesGame Player's, vol. 2, no. 3 (issue 9, March 1990) · p. 56 (image 58), New Games for Lynx and 7800Atari says the games will begin appearing this year.Game Player's, vol. 2, no. 3 (issue 9, March 1990) · p. 56 (image 58), New Games for Lynx and 7800At the recent Winter Consumer Electronics Show, Atari announced two new games for the Lynx and an agreementChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: RoadBlasters
The Atari Lynx manual carries 1990 copyright lines for Tengen, licensed to Atari Corp., and for Atari Corporation, and gives RoadBlasters as a trademark of Matchbox Toys. It recasts the story after a nuclear war started by Death Squads: the player, in a prototype car, joins their 50-level road rally posing as one of their drivers, helped by a small robot-powered jet that brings weapons. roadblasters-history/lynx-manual
image 2, inside coverRoadBlasters is a trademark of Matchbox Toys (USA) Ltd.RoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · image 2, inside coverCopyright c 1990, Tengen, inc. and licensed to Atari Corp.RoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · image 2, inside coverCopyright c 1990, Atari CorporationRoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · p. 1 (image 4), storyPosing as a Death Squad driver you join the rallyRoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · p. 1 (image 4), storysmall, robot-powered jet that will bring you additional weapons from HeadquartersRoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · Playing the Game (image 6)The object of the game is to complete a 50-level road rally in Death Squad territoryRoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · p. 1 (image 3), storyNuclear weapons devastated the surface of the planet, released by ruthless Death SquadsRoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · p. 1 (image 4), storyOnly one person can fit in the prototype, and you were chosen.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked. The manual names no programmer, and no source read dates the Lynx release.
Cited by: RoadBlasters
On the Lynx, left and right steer, up accelerates and down slows the car, A fires the lasers and B the auxiliary weapon; the car holds the speed it was given. Accurate shooting raises the point multiplier from 1 to as much as 10, and the blue cars of the Death Squad leaders fall only to an Electro Shield or a Cruise Missile. roadblasters-history/lynx-controls
Playing the Game (image 7)Press up to accelerate or down to slow down. To fire your lasers, press A.RoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · Playing the Game (image 7)The car's high-powered sensors will maintain that speedRoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · Playing the Game (image 7)Shooting accuracy increases the point multiplier from its original value of 1 to as much as 10.RoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · Playing the Game (images 7-8)The blue cars can be destroyed only with an Electro Shield or a Cruise Missile.RoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · Playing the Game (image 7)Press right or left to steer in the desired direction.RoadBlasters instruction manual (Atari Lynx, Atari Corporation) · Playing the Game (image 7)When equipped with an auxiliary weapon, press B to use it.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the page images haven't been checked.
Cited by: RoadBlasters